Thanks everyone. Even though it’s all done and dusted, it’s nice to know that my experiences are validated. It’s so crazy how your brain is able to justify and excuse that stuff while you’re going through it.
It was interesting to reflect on those times going into S3’s birthday this week. Kind of a bittersweet feeling. While he was two I could still get away with calling him a baby. Although that’s laughable because he’s always been 99th percentile for height and weight and has been mistaken for a four year old since he was two and a half. But regardless, I don’t think you can call a three year old a baby any more
X messaged me at lunchtime on S3’s birthday. He said he would love to talk to him if I could tell him a good time to call. He signed off “hope you are having a great day”. I told him when and he did indeed call right on time; in fact, two minutes early. I put him on speaker and handed the phone to S3.
Now, while it’s true that three year olds are not the greatest conversationalists, my boy can talk the hind leg off a donkey. But this call was awkward. It was the obligatory call you have with a distant relative who doesn’t know you that well. To be fair, it was the first time he’s ever talked to his dad on the phone.
How was your day? “Good”. Did you get any presents? “Yes”. What did you get? (silence from S3) Are you being a good boy for Mama? Are you doing the dishes and helping with cooking? “Yes” (weird question, but he does help me in the kitchen) Are you lying? Sounds like you’re lying (X laughed). “No, I’m not”. Are you happy? “Yes” I miss you. “I miss you too” Do you want to have a party on Sunday? “Yes” What do you want to eat? (silence from S3) I love you (silence from S3, then after about ten seconds he said “I love you”)
By comparison, when we video chat with my parents S3 rambles on and on, asks them questions, volunteers information etc. After five minutes on the phone with his dad, S3 said “Mama, I want to say goodbye to him.” On a positive note, he also said he wanted to give him a kiss and a cuddle. X said “you will on Sunday, okay? I promise.”
About half an hour after the call, I got a text from X.
